Decadence The Strange Life of an Epithet

A history of the word 'decadent': 'For several centuries at least it was used to characterize conditions of decline; most notably, the corruption, probably Oriental in origin, that led to the fall of the Roman Empire. Associated with it were flabbiness, sensuality, a loss of nerve and skill- and contradictorily, excessive concern with formal perfection at the expense of content…' Hardcover with dust jacket, in very good condition. Front hinge has a small split.